Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for capturing a video image and speed of a target vehicle. A ranging device detects a distance to a target vehicle. The focal distance or zoom of a video camera is set and adjusted based on the distance. The speed of travel of the vehicle is detected, displayed, and/or stored in association with a video image captured of the vehicle by the video camera. A range of distances within which to capture the video image and speed of the vehicle may be set by detecting distances between a pair of landmarks or using GPS and compass heading data. An inclinometer is provided to aid initiation of a power-conservation mode. A target tracking time may be determined and compared to a minimum tracking time period. A device certification period can be stored and displayed and the device deactivated upon expiration thereof.

Abstract: A traffic radar utilizes digital signal processing (DSP) to determine targets based on signal strength histories. From these histories, a target vehicle having the strongest Doppler return signal is identified and its speed is displayed, and a target vehicle having the highest frequency return signal is identified and its speed is displayed. The traffic radar may also display the relative strength of the strongest return signal and the relative strength of the highest frequency return signal, thereby showing a comparison of the strengths of the return signals from the target vehicles.

Abstract: A traffic radar captures the patrol vehicle return signal by saving the patrol return when the radar system is placed in a standby state. If the radar is in standby for more than a predetermined period of time before reentering a transmitting mode, the system searches for a new patrol signal within a speed window around the saved patrol signal speed. If the radar is in standby for less than the predetermined period of time, the system initially searches for a new patrol signal over a range that excludes an interval around the saved patrol signal speed. If the new patrol signal is not found, then in a subsequent search the interval is included in the searched spectrum.

Abstract: A speed display device for focusing a motorist's attention on the vehicle's speed, includes a screen which will digitally display thereon the vehicle's radar measured speed in either a first steady state at one color or in a flashing state at a second color. An internal microprocessor compares a preset threshold speed with the vehicle's measured speed. If the measured vehicle's speed is not greater than the threshold speed, the measured speed is screen displayed by energization of a first set of amber lights in a pattern according to the measured speed. If the measured speed is above the threshold speed, a second set of red flashing lights is energized in an accentuated pattern according to the measured speed. The device focuses the motorist's attention on the vehicle speed per se, particularly when above the threshold limit.

Abstract: A speed display device for focusing a motorist's attention on the vehicle's speed, includes a screen which will digitally display thereon the vehicle's radar measured speed in either a first steady state at one color or in a flashing state at a second color. An internal microprocessor compares a preset threshold speed with the vehicle's measured speed. If the measured vehicle's speed is not greater than the threshold speed, the measured speed is screen displayed by energization of a first set of amber lights in a pattern according to the measured speed. If the measured speed is above the threshold speed, a second set of red flashing lights is energized in an accentuated pattern according to the measured speed. The device focuses the motorist's attention on the vehicle speed per se, particularly when above the threshold limit.

Abstract: A digital signal processor (DSP) traffic radar utilizing pulses from the patrol vehicle's electronic speedometer to steer the DSP's search of Doppler return information for the patrol vehicle's radar return signal, to improve target identification and minimize inaccuracies. In moving mode, when the patrol vehicle comes to a stop, no pulses are received by the DSP and therefore the patrol speed is set to zero, eliminating false association with other moving targets.

Abstract: An improved switching system for controlling a radar control unit includes a radar hold switch and lock release switch on a remote control. Depression of the hold switch places the radar in a hold or standby mode. Upon depression and holding of the lock switch tracking of the target vehicle occurs. Upon release of the lock switch the displayed vehicle speed will be locked on the lock window of the radar with the radar unit being placed in a standby mode. A subsequent depression and release of the lock/release switch clears the locked target speed and maintains the unit in a standby mode. Underlying logic utilized by the signal processor analyzes signals corresponding to the positions of the hold and lock switches so as to direct the radar into the appropriate mode.

Abstract: A traffic radar processes Doppler return information by analysis of the received frequency spectrum in order to improve target identification and minimize interference and unwanted harmonics. Digital signal processing including transformation of the return information into the frequency domain is employed to provide multiple modes of operation including a stationary mode where either the strongest or the fastest Doppler return signal may be selectively recognized, and moving modes for monitoring traffic moving in both the opposite direction and the same direction as the patrol vehicle. In the moving modes either strongest or fastest signal processing may be elected, and operation when the patrol and target vehicles are moving in the same direction is provided irrespective of whether the patrol vehicle is moving faster or slower than the target vehicle. The speed of the patrol car is determined by recognizing a signature that exhibits an asymmetry due to the cosine effect.

Abstract: A traffic radar processes Doppler return information by analysis of the received frequency spectrum in order to improve target identification and minimize interference and unwanted harmonics. Digital signal processing including transformation of the return information into the frequency domain is employed to provide multiple modes of operation including a stationary mode where either the strongest or the fastest Doppler return signal may be selectively recognized, and moving modes for monitoring traffic moving in both the opposite direction and the same direction as the patrol vehicle. In the moving modes either strongest or fastest signal processing may be elected, and operation when the patrol and target vehicles are moving in the same direction is provided irrespective of whether the patrol vehicle is moving faster or slower than the target vehicle. The speed of the patrol car is determined by recognizing a signature that exhibits an asymmetry due to the cosine effect.

Abstract: A laser transmitting and receiving speed and/or range detection device has coaxial internal beam directing and receiving paths for the transmitted and received (reflected) laser energy. A sight is provided having an optical combiner which presents a projected display of the detected speed or range of a target that may be observed by the operator while aiming the device at the target. A telephoto effect is utilized in the projection of the display onto the sight such that the operator need not divert his head from the sight or refocus his eye to read the projected target speed or range.